Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen girl goes off-grid in risky journey of self-discovery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Penelope
What's the Story?
PENELOPE is a drama series about a 16-year-old girl who, seemingly out of nowhere, abandons her family and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. After a hasty stop to pick up camping supplies at a local store, she turns off her phone's location services and sends a voice memo to her mom stating that she isn't running away, she is running toward something. She hops a freight train, ultimately landing in a national forest in the Pacific Northwest. She sneaks in — not having the $80 fee the park ranger says is required to camp there — and disappears deep into the woods to try and survive off the land. Over eight half-hour episodes, we follow her efforts to build a fire, set up a campsite, and sustain herself physically and spiritually.
Is It Any Good?
Teens may relate to the main character's quest to find herself, while adults will shudder at seeing an unprepared, vulnerable teen take risk after risk — and there are life-threatening moments. Suspension of disbelief is required when viewing Penelope, and one hopes that other kids don't see the show and infer they'd have similar luck surviving off acorns and a rapidly dwindling Ziploc full of oats. That said, there is a meditative charm in seeing an entire episode focused on the girl's painstaking efforts to catch a fish or build a makeshift log cabin. Penelope might initially frustrate you with her naive behavior and tree-hugging ways (not a euphemism, she literally hugs and talks to trees), but actress Megan Stott portrays her patient determination so wonderfully that you can't help but get sucked in and even root for her. The series perhaps isn't as profound as it thinks it is, but it's a unique and well-acted watch for those in a contemplative mood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what inspired Penelope's decision to head out on her own. She seemingly had a loving family and a pretty privileged life, so what do you think drove her to abandon it? Does it seem like she found what she was looking for?
How realistic do you think the series is in its portrayal of off-grid life? How does Penelope adapt to her surroundings? How do you think you might fare under similar circumstances?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 24, 2024
- Cast : Megan Stott , Rhenzy Feliz , Krisha Fairchild
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 25, 2024
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